MARGARET HOWARD FROM BURTON ESCAPES IMMEDIATE JAIL AFTER ABUSING SCHOOLBOY DECADES AGO

In a case that has resurfaced after more than four decades, Margaret Howard, a woman from Burton, has been handed a suspended prison sentence following her court appearance at Stafford Crown Court on Friday, September 22. The proceedings stemmed from her guilty plea to two charges of gross indecency involving a young boy, with the incidents dating back to when the victim was only 10 years old, between August 1977 and August 1978.

Howard, aged 60 and residing on Oak Street in Burton, faced the court to answer for her actions. The charges against her detailed acts of inappropriate conduct that occurred during her early twenties, when she was involved in a serious breach of trust with a minor. The court heard that Howard had engaged in acts of sexual misconduct with the boy, including touching him and allowing him to kiss her naked breasts on multiple occasions, estimated to be three or four times.

The judge, Mr. Justice Michael Chambers QC, acknowledged the gravity of the offences, emphasizing the breach of trust and the vulnerability of the young victim. He noted that Howard's actions had a profound emotional and psychological impact on the victim, who was unable to be named for legal reasons. Despite the seriousness of the offences, the judge took into account Howard's age at the time of the crimes, her apparent remorse, and the fact that she had not committed any other offences since.

In his sentencing, Judge Chambers sentenced Howard to 12 months in prison, but this was suspended for a period of one year. Additionally, she is required to register as a sex offender for the next ten years. The judge highlighted that Howard's remorse was evident through reports presented to the court, which indicated she had expressed full regret for her actions and posed a low risk of reoffending.

Prosecutor Andrew Wallace provided further details, stating that Howard had admitted to the offences, which involved her touching the boy and allowing him to kiss her naked breasts during the incidents. He explained that the victim, who had a troubled relationship with his parents, sometimes stayed at Howard's home, which facilitated the abuse.

The victim, who cannot be identified publicly, delivered a brief impact statement to the court. He revealed that the abuse had long-lasting effects on his mental health, including relationship issues and struggles with self-esteem. He shared that he had sought therapy after the abuse came to light, and that he had used alcohol as a means of escape. The victim expressed feelings of guilt, stating, “I used alcohol to escape and believed it was my fault, and it was hard not to blame myself.” He also disclosed that he had suffered from depression, experienced a mental breakdown, and had even attempted to take his own life.

This case underscores the enduring trauma caused by abuse and highlights the importance of justice, even after many years have passed. Margaret Howard’s sentencing reflects a recognition of the seriousness of her actions, balanced with considerations of her remorse and the low risk of reoffending.